NTL Record

Title Psychophysical Tests for DWI Arrest
Record ID 25453
Personal Name
Creator
Burns, Marcelline; Moskowitz, Herbert, 1925-
Source vi, 126 p. : ill.
Corporate Creator Southern California Research Institute
Corporate
Contributor
United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Publisher United States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Publication Date 19770600
Language English
Abstract As part of DWI arrest procedures, tests of alcohol impairment may be used by police officers, either at roadside or in the station. Objectives of this study included evaluation of currently-used tests, development of more sensitive and reliable measures, and the standardization of test administration. On the basis of preliminary investigations, six tests were chosen for an evaluation study. Ten officers administered the 6-test battery to 238 participants who were light, moderate and heavy drinkers. Placebo or alcohol treatments produced BACs in the range 0 - .15%. The police officers scored the performance of each test on a 1-10 scale, and on the basis of the entire battery judged whether the person should be arrested or released. All of the 6 tests were found to be alcohol sensitive, and the officers made correct arrest/release decisions for 76% of the participants. Data analysis led to recommendations of a "best" reduced battery of tests which includes examination of balance (One-Leg Stand) and walking (Walk-and-Turn), as well as the jerking nystagmus movement of the eyes (Alcohol Gaze Nystagmus). /Abstract from report summary page/
Rosap ID dot:1186
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/1186
TRT Terms Alcohol tests; Drunk driving; Traffic law enforcement; Evaluation and assessment
General Subjects DWI enforcement
Classification NTL - LAWS AND REGULATIONS - LAWS AND REGULATIONS;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Accidents;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Human Factors
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
00159368
Contract Number DOT-HS-5-01242
Report Number DOT-HS-802-424; SCRI-TR-77-2; NTIS-PB269309
Availability NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Research
Resource type Research Paper
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/25000/25400/25453/DOT-HS-802-424.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository